3.30.2010

Update on Shon Coleman

She's very appreciative of all the well wishes, texts, Facebook messages and the like. If any of you all did that, I think you made her day. Well ... you made her day better.

She posted another update to her Facebook page last last night. It read, in part:

Shon is home. He's had 4 days of chemotherapy and it hasn't slowed him one bit. It is truly amazing. When Shon entered the hospital last Thursday, he was admitted because the white cell count in his blood was dangerously high. His organs were in danger. Today, zero cells in his blood. His white cell counts are now back within the high side of normal. Please continue to pray for us.

I believe that's the first HABOTN post from inside the arctic circle, though DL has posted from his country's secret, buoyant missile silo 225 miles SSW of the Aleutian Islands. That's worth 1/2 credit.

Just got home from traffic court. Stupid nighttime endangered wildlife crossing zones cost me a pretty penny ($600+ before it's all said and done), but no points and charges dropped so my insurance won't see it.

Was talking to wife about what happened. She was in the car coming home from the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Her last words to me were "well,no more speeding." Guess who I got a text message from saying they just got pulled over less than 60 seconds after I hung up the phone? I'd laugh at the irony and karma involve, but it's going to cost me more freaking money.

I expected it, API. I got clocked making a pass, speed limit had dropped to 45 for 2 miles at night, and he got me going 69. The outcome is pretty much what I was looking for, even though I hoped for less of a financial penalty. Maybe could've saved some money on the lawyer, but I don't like to gamble and not have one. I was wrong because I wasn't paying attention, but I still hate endangered animals now.

That would be cool, PF. This morning I did get to video chat before I left for work. She was able to check in to her hotel on arrival at noonish and she held her macbook up to the window showing me the beautiful view she has of the town & bay.

But yes, a UStream update would really rock!

Good morning, digger! Basketball? I guess so. UNC is so bad this year I refuse to pay them any attention.

As your new head basketball coach, I am thrilled about the opportunity to represent you and this great university at such an exciting time for Auburn basketball. When I accepted this job, I knew there would be challenges, but what struck me the most was the tremendous potential of this program with everything Auburn has to offer. The university, the community and the fan base are all top notch, and the new state-of-the-art Auburn Arena demonstrates a commitment to this program that will help us take Auburn basketball to new heights.

As your head coach, I promise to stay true to the Auburn Creed as I believe in work, hard work. With that said, my staff and I will not be outworked as we bring the Auburn Family what they deserve. I will give my all in every aspect of the job, from recruiting and coaching to promoting the program. I will do everything in my power to produce a winning program and change the culture of Auburn basketball.

I challenge you, the Auburn students, to create a real excitement around Auburn basketball. You are a part of the team, and I need you there at every game to make Auburn Arena the best home court advantage in the SEC.

You are critical to our success, and there has not been a more significant period to turn this program around than now. The administration shares my feelings, as the design of Auburn Arena prioritizes the experience of the students.

The Auburn Arena caters to students in every way and is designed to create an intimidating home court advantage. Very few students throughout the entire nation will enjoy the same amenities that this new arena will present to you. You will have your own private entrance to the arena, concourse area, restrooms and concession stand. As students, you will have the best seats in the building. The student section will surround three sides of the court on the floor level. You will have an effect on the game like never before, and our atmosphere will be contingent on you. With your help, I truly believe we can have a great basketball atmosphere.

I know we can accomplish all of our goals together. I cannot express how excited I am to be your new coach. I look forward to the next few months as we build enthusiasm for next season and beyond.

MrTD, I can't say I ever got an email from him. Coaches in every other sport have sent out emails, or given "come to our games/meets!" shout outs in the Plainsman, but the former Leebs didn't do much promoting.

One of my favorite things about Auburn is the creed. It tugs at me in certain situations.

Honestly, I can't wait to be there. Hopefully we can get organized with cheers and what not. Everyone just yelling doesn't have the same effect as certain basketball oriented nonsense might. Students on 3 sides are really close to the players and can easily be heard.